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Save the Children Reaction to New Lancet Figures on Child Deaths Through Malnutrition

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - June 5, 2013) - "New research showing that half of all preventable child deaths in the world are caused by malnutrition represents a shocking wake-up call," said Save the Children President and CEO, Patricia Erb.

"World leaders meeting in London for Saturday's Nutrition for Growth event need to take urgent action and take steps to ensure that every child has enough food to survive and thrive. Canada has been the leader in supporting global nutrition improvements and we look forward to that leadership continuing. We are pleased that Minister Fantino will be attending the event this weekend.

"Funding national plans in the developing world to tackle malnutrition must be a priority if we are to put an end to this silent, devastating crisis.

"Failing to act now will condemn more than three million children to die needlessly every year, and for millions of others to left physically and mentally stunted."

Notes to editors:

Thousands of campaigners will be gathering in some 20 countries around the world on Friday June 7th during the Global Day of Action to urge G8 and world leaders to act on the hunger crisis.

Currently only 0.4% of aid is spent combating malnutrition despite it being the leading cause of child deaths.

The 'Nutrition for Growth' summit to be held in London on Saturday June 8th is co-hosted by the UK and Brazilian governments and will bring together the Heads of State and ministers from 16 Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) countries - Bangladesh, Benin, Burkina Faso, Haiti, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Nepal, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Gambia, Uganda and Yemen. Additionally, leaders from India, Indonesia, Nigeria and Pakistan will also attend, as well as business leaders, scientists and representatives of civil society.

Save the Children is the world's leading independent organisation for children, delivering programmes and improving children's lives in more than 120 countries worldwide. Working toward a world in which every child attains the right to survival, protection, development and participation, Save the Children's mission is to inspire breakthroughs in the way the world treats children and to achieve immediate and lasting change in their lives.